CANNES — The prestigious RX’s Cannes Yachting Festival concluded on Sept. 15 after six successful days. It is reported that there were 55,000 visitors, the same number as last year. A global audience from more than 130 different countries were in attendance.
Set in the Bay of Cannes, more than 700 motor, sailing, monohull and multihull vessels were exhibited in the Vieux Port and Port Canto. International boat builders showcased their products on the water which included more than 120 world premieres.
Equipment manufacturers and service companies were set up on the outer quays and inside the Palais des Festivals.
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“This year’s offering lived up to its promises, both on land and in the water. Our 640 exhibitors appreciated the facilities provided and visitor quality lived up to expectations,” Sylvie Ernoult, Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival, said.
Anong the new features was a Power Boat Marina in-water experience in neighboring Port Canto. The new area featured 170 motorboats, 140 in-water and 30 ashore, alongside a selection of outboard engines.
In addition to the power boats, Port Canto also had 120 new sailboats on exhibit. A popular exhibition included e-foils, electric surfboards and more followed by mingling in the Food Truck Village complete with live music.
Port Canto was also a popular spot to hold meetings at a new restaurant with almost 130 tables and a new VIP Club, located on the roof of the Harbour Master’s Office.
Making Less of an Impact on the Environment
This year’s festival also had a sustainability focus. An Innovation Route was created featuring those boat builders and equipment manufacturers focused on technological and eco-friendly innovations. The Innovation Route identified eco-friendly initiatives with specific signage.
The Cannes Yachting Festival coincides with RX’s commitment to create net-zero carbon events by 2040. Accomplishments toward this goal include:
- Digitalization of documents that were printed in the past including tickets, badges and visitor maps.
- Use of recycled and/or recyclable materials wherever possible including recyclable aisle and booth carpets.
- Raising awareness among stakeholders about the importance of eco-responsibility.
GreenBee Event Upcycling, a not-for-profit association based in Cannes whose aim is to promote the reduction of various wastes materials linked to the event industry, met with exhibitors during the build and breakdown to raise awareness on sorting waste. It also helped exhibitors donate materials that could be reused.
“Our visitors saw the crème de la crème of the marine industry, but this year we are pleased to be accommodating around 40 boats, innovations and services that are part of an eco-friendly and decarbonization approach for the marine industry. There is still a long way to go in making yachting clean, but an increasing number of initiatives are moving things forward and this Innovation Route is a good demonstration of this,” Ernoult said.
Reach Sylvie Ernoult at cannes@rxglobal.com
